U.S. patent application number 10/145985 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-08 for method, apparatus and computer program product for interactive instruction using electronic display device.
Invention is credited to Oneha, Kathy, Slocombe, Denise, Thiry, Katherine.
Application Number | 20030085916 10/145985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26843469 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030085916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thiry, Katherine ; et
al. |
May 8, 2003 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for interactive
instruction using electronic display device
Abstract
A web-based learning tool having a means for organizing a
plurality of interrelated contents, a means for coupling a
different one of the interrelated contents to each different one of
a plurality of asynchronously operable modular frames as a function
of a user input, and a means for concurrently displaying one of the
plurality of interrelated contents on each of the modular
frames.
Inventors: |
Thiry, Katherine; (Redmond,
WA) ; Slocombe, Denise; (Marysville, WA) ;
Oneha, Kathy; (Redmond, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles J. Rupnick
PO Box 46752
Seattle
WA
98146
US
|
Family ID: |
26843469 |
Appl. No.: |
10/145985 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60350178 |
Nov 2, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/738 ;
707/E17.119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/957
20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/738 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A browser comprising: a plurality of modular frames each
comprising a separate browser that is structured to operate
asynchronously from others of the plurality of modular frames; and
one of a plurality of related content concurrently displayable on
each of the plurality of modular frames as a function of a user
input; and a navigation menu coupled to accept the user input and
being coupled to each of the plurality of modular frames and each
of a plurality of the contents for display of a different one of
the contents on each of the modular frames.
2. The browser of claim 1 wherein the plurality of related content
includes one or more of textual, graphical, and interactive
content.
3. The browser of claim 1 wherein the contents concurrently
displayable on each of the plurality of modular frames are
organized as a function of one of a user selection and a logical
theme.
4. The browser of claim 1 wherein the contents concurrently
displayable on each of the plurality of modular frames are
organized as a function of pointers within a software tool used to
create the frames.
5. The browser of claim 1 wherein the one of the concurrently
displayable plurality of related content further includes content
stored in a look-up table.
6. A web-based learning tool comprising: means for organizing a
plurality of interrelated contents; means for coupling a different
one of the interrelated contents to each different one of a
plurality of asynchronously operable modular frames as a function
of a user input; and means for concurrently displaying one of the
plurality of interrelated contents on each of the modular
frames.
7. The learning tool of claim 6 wherein the displaying means
further comprises means for displaying text content, multimedia
content, advertisement content, and extra content.
8. The learning tool of claim 7 wherein the means for displaying
multimedia content further comprises means for displaying a
presentation of graphical animation from a plurality of points of
view.
9. The learning tool of claim 6 wherein the organizing means
further comprises means for organizing as a function of one of a
user menu and a logical theme.
10. The learning tool of claim 6, further comprising means for
structuring a hierarchy of content loading having text content
loaded prior to media content.
11. The learning tool of claim 6, further comprising means for
fusing two or more frames into a single frame for displaying a
single content.
12. A web-based learning tool comprising: a plurality of different
content interrelated according to a common theme; a plurality of
frames organized in a web-based browser format, each of the frames
comprising a separate browser and being structured to operate
programming code independent of each other frame; and a navigation
tool bar coupled to the content and to the frames for
asynchronously selecting which of the plurality of different
interrelated content is displayed in each of the plurality of
frames.
13. The learning tool of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of
different interrelated content further comprises one of a textual,
graphical, and interactive content.
14. The learning tool of claim 12 wherein the plurality of
different interrelated content is further organized as a function
of user input.
15. The learning tool of claim 12 wherein the plurality of
different interrelated content is further organized as a function
of a logical theme.
16. A method for asynchronously displaying interrelated
information, the method comprising: organizing a plurality of
interrelated information in a computer readable format; coupling a
different portion of the interrelated computer readable information
to different ones of a plurality of asynchronously operable modular
frames as a function of a user input; and concurrently displaying
one of the plurality of information on each of the modular
frames.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein displaying information further
comprises displaying a presentation of graphical animation from a
plurality of different points of view.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising structuring loading
of the information according to a hierarchy having text content
loaded prior to media content.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising fusing two or more
frames into a single frame for displaying a plurality of
interrelated advertising information.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein displaying a plurality of
interrelated advertising information in a single frame further
comprises: i) displaying advertising information in an advertising
frame; ii) in response to user input, expanding the advertising
frame into a different one of the plurality of frames; and iii) in
response to additional user input, returning to a previous display
condition.
21. A computer program product for asynchronously displaying
interrelated information in textual and graphical formats, wherein
the computer program product comprises: a computer-readable storage
medium; and computer-readable program code means embodied in the
medium, the computer-readable program code means comprising: first
computer-readable program code means for organizing a plurality of
interrelated information in a computer readable format; second
computer-readable program code means for coupling a different
portion of the interrelated computer-readable information organized
by the first computer-readable program code means to different ones
of a plurality of asynchronously operable modular frames as a
function of a user input; and third computer-readable program code
means for concurrently displaying on each of the modular frames one
of the plurality of interrelated computer-readable information.
22. The computer program product of claim 21, further comprising
fourth computer-readable program code means for structuring loading
of the plurality of interrelated information according to a
hierarchy having text content loaded prior to media content.
23. The computer program product of claim 21 wherein the third
computer-readable program code means for concurrently displaying
one of the plurality of information further comprises means for
displaying the information in a graphical format having graphical
animation presented from a plurality of different points of view.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/350,178, filed in the names of Razvan
Neagu, Katherine Thiry, Denise Slocum (properly spelled Slocombe)
and Kathy Oneha on Nov. 2, 2001, the complete disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to interactive
instruction using media devices and more specifically to
interactive athletic instruction and performance analysis using
computing devices capable of displaying text and/or graphics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] To learn a sport or other athletic skill, the student
athlete typically enrolls in a class or joins a sports-oriented
club or organization. Some examples of such classes and
organizations include Little League, varsity athletic programs,
fencing clubs, and swim instruction offered at a community pool.
Typically, during class time or organized training sessions, a
coach or instructor guides the athlete in the development of the
skill set necessary for participation in the chosen sport. An
athlete may additionally develop skills through observation of
other athletes at practice, tournaments and/or televised sporting
events. The athlete's knowledge and skill advancement in the sport
is therefore only partially determined by the athlete's own natural
abilities. The athlete's overall achievement is also dependent upon
the sport specific knowledge of the coach, the coach's ability to
impart that knowledge, and the athlete's own exposure to athletes
of advanced skill within that sport. Thus, although two athletes
may have the same natural talent and ability, the developmental
coach and the experiences available to each athlete are determinant
of the performance capabilities each will achieve.
[0004] To advance their level of knowledge within a sport and to
access larger forums in which their progress and performance can be
evaluated, athletes, coaches and organizations typically join
larger national or international associations. These larger
entities research, collect, maintain and disseminate a body of
knowledge on the sport with the aim of maximizing athlete
development, standardizing competitive rules and evaluation
criteria and advancing the overall strength and quality of the
sport. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and its member
National Governing Bodies for each of the various sports are
examples of such larger entities. The USOC invests in science
facilities such as the Olympic training centers, in sponsored
research; and expends countless man-hours in training seminars,
clinics and retreats, all towards the aim of defining and advancing
an effective model for training and winning.
[0005] Many of the local clubs and organizations offering such
athletic training, however, are volunteer organizations or other
not for profit entities. As such, the opportunity to capitalize on
the resources available for advance training of athletes and
coaches is limited. Organizations must frequently hold fundraisers
to acquire the needed training materials or to finance visits by
more experienced instructors. Dedicated coaches and athletes often
acquire the training materials and travel to training seminars or
competitions at significant personal expense. For the individual
athlete, these constraints erect significant barriers to the
attainment of technical acumen and curtail athletic development. In
the aggregate, these constraints operate to hinder advancement of
the entire sport by limiting the development of the entire body of
athletes and from the potential failure to identify and properly
train truly elite athletes within the sport. The sport as a whole
additionally suffers since the supporting infrastructure of, for
example, physicians and officials also encounters significant
obstacles to training and information.
[0006] The advent of modem media devices has provided sports
participants with various additional forms of learning. Video tapes
and DVDs are one common learning tool in which the student
typically watches another individual demonstrate a particular skill
while an expert commentator provides narration. This learning
medium has certain inherent limitations. First, the learning
experience is passive. Second, the demonstration is often shot from
a single angle and cannot be rotated or enlarged for greater
scrutiny by the student. Third, the tool is not portable and cannot
accompany the student to practice or to sporting events. The video
is also only current on the date made and cannot be readily
updated.
[0007] The internet comprises another medium which makes
information on a variety of topics readily available. Most of the
web based content currently available fails to provide much
functionality beyond the video tape medium. FIG. 1 depicts a web
based learning tool of the type currently in use. As shown in FIG.
1, a web page 2 contains a banner heading 4, a video window 6, a
text window 8 and an image window 10. Video window 6 consists of a
video taped presentation. Text window 8 consists of a time hash or
other table of content data that marks the present scene or topic
presented in video window 6, while image window 10 typically
contains a power point presentation slide or other image actually
referenced by the video presenter during the presentation. The
content of each of windows 6, 8 and 10 are not independent of each
other. When the student clicks on a table of contents entry in
window 8, the video presentation displayed
[0008] in window 6 and the image shown in window 10 each advance
synchronously to correspond with the appropriate point in the
video. Thus, the current web based learning experience is simply a
repackaging of the older video tape technology and contains many of
its limitations.
[0009] Other widely used web based formats present the information
in a web page format. The web page commonly spans several screens
of information through which the user must scroll. Many users find
the need to scroll through the material in this manner to be
arduous and often abandon or lose interest in locating the material
relevant to them. To combat this limitation, hyperlinks to other
pages or portions of the page are often provided to rapidly
reposition the user on the page or site. However, the hyperlinking
process can detract from the users' ability to understand the
particular information viewed in the context of the larger
site.
[0010] The web based learning medium also presents additional
frustrations to the learning experience. In particular, the large
multimedia downloads leave the user idle and bored. Often, when the
student does not have a compelling reason to wait for the download,
they give up on the site altogether and move on. Furthermore, web
sites frequently exist to advance the business interests of the
individual site owner and may include advertising or content that
detracts from the learning experience. Even in those situations
where a not for profit sports organization hosts and maintains the
informational web site, advertising may be included to underwrite
the costs of producing the site and running the organization.
Advertising usually appears in the form of banner or pop up ads
that bear little or no relation to the site content. This
advertising occurs in a manner visually disparate from the
remainder of the site and viewers typically find it irritating. Not
only is the advertising disruptive to the learning experience, the
advertisements are not even effective. Research has shown that
after some web surfing experience, viewers completely ignore
advertisements placed in web pages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention recognizes the problems inherent in
the prior art. The present invention provides an interactive tool
for athletic instruction and performance analysis.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
invention includes a web based browser format having a plurality of
content windows wherein each window includes a browser. The present
invention therefore enables separate content to be displayed
asynchronously in each of the various windows. Content in one
window is not rigidly coupled with content in accompanying windows
as in the prior art. Thus, for example, the student may view a
video of a platform dive in one window, with a text presentation on
the scoring rules for the dive in a second window, and a list of
diving competitions in a third window. The viewer may, for example,
change the content of the second window to a description of how to
perform the dive, without changing the content of the remaining
windows.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
user is able to asynchronously select content in the various
windows using a multi-cued informational menu. This ability to
asynchronously select the content in the various windows, empowers
the student to select the content according to that students
learning style preferences.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
separate content presented in each of the various windows may be
automatically selected according to a theme or other methodology.
The present invention therefore enables the user and/or content
provider to select or manage the content presented in each window
to provide an integrated educational experience rather than the
mere disassociated presentation of multiple screens of
information.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
the ability to manage the separate content presented in at least
one window, enables advertising content to be managed according to
a predefined logic. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, a user who is viewing an athlete profile data, may be
shown advertising information describing the equipment provided by
the athlete's sponsor. The advertising presented according to the
present invention can thus be made relevant to the content viewed
by the user, and is therefore also less intrusive and disruptive to
the user experience. The presentation of advertising according to
the present invention thus also increases the effectiveness of the
advertising. The advertising can thus be made a more effective tool
in generating income for the local sports organizations.
[0016] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
various ones of the content windows of the present invention may be
ported to multiple platforms. Thus, the present invention enables
the user to view the material on a home computer, or, for example,
on a personal computing device, or other electronic device having a
graphical and/or textual display. The user may therefore access the
educational experience provided by the present invention in a
variety of settings such as during practice or at a tournament
thereby further enhancing the educational benefits of the present
invention.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will be readily apparent from the detailed description of the
invention included below made with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a depiction of a web page learning tool according
to the prior art;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a conceptual block diagram of a learning tool
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of an advertising frame
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates use of dynamic selection of framework
content using a menu bar according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates portability of the framework content to
another device according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates downloading of the framework of the
present invention to a personal computing device via the internet
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates deployment of the framework of the
present invention to a CD/DVD medium according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates deployment of the framework of the
present invention to a game console platform according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates deployment of the framework of the
present invention in a broadcast medium environment according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a conceptual block diagram of a learning tool
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises a framework 200 that
includes a plurality of frames 210-216 wherein each of frames
210-216 includes separate content. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, framework 200 comprises a browser to be described in
greater detail below. The browser integrates the functionality and
content of multiple frames 210-216 into a modular but cohesive
presentation with unified navigation. The present invention thus
differs from and improves upon the web page methodology of the
prior art. Although hyperlinking, thumbnails, and scrolling can be
enabled within each of the individual frames 210-216, the user of
the present invention need not scroll through or hyperlink to
related material and may readily discern the relationship between
each of the frames contained within framework 200.
[0028] Frame Content Overview
[0029] According to one possible embodiment of the present
invention, frames 210-216 include a text frame 210, a media frame
212, an advertisement frame 214 and an extra content frame 216.
Other distributions of frame content are possible, however, and the
invention is not limited to the particular frame contents shown in
FIG. 2.
[0030] A banner frame 215, or region, may be displayed within
framework 200. Banner frame 215 may be used, for example, to
identify the sponsor or author of the content currently displayed
on framework 200. Different individual banners may be displayed
according to the specific content currently being viewed. In this
way, the user can gauge the authenticity or reliability of the
information presented. Optionally, banner frame 215 may be used to
identify a sponsor of a particular framework 200 or particular
topic within framework 200.
[0031] Cross promotional guide region 217 may also be included
within framework 200. Cross promotional guide region 217 may be
used to display promotional materials related to a particular
organization or club sponsor, or may optionally contain links to
such material. Cross promotional guide region 217 may also be used
to display a calendar or schedule of events relevant to the
particular subject matter displayed in framework 200.
[0032] Media frame 212 is useful for displaying multimedia content
to the user. Media frame 212 enhances the educational experience of
the user by illustrating concepts in an active and compelling
manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, media frame 212
accommodates standard size media measuring 320 pixels wide by 240
pixels high. Other pixel dimensions and formats known to those of
skill in the art may also be used with the present invention. The
multimedia content presented using frame 212 may include, for
example: streaming media of e.g. live telecast sporting events, or
other broadcast information, video library clips of skills
demonstrations or athlete performances, interactive games, or
graphical animation of proper techniques. According to one possible
embodiment of the invention, when animated graphics are provided,
the user may optionally rotate the presentation using tool bar 218
or using a tool bar presented within frame 212. Rotating the frame
enables the user to view the demonstrated techniques from different
angles. Media frame 212 may also optionally include a scroll bar
230 that enables the user to advance to or review a desired portion
of the media content.
[0033] Text frame 210 includes text data related to the subject
matter selected by the user from navigation toolbar(s) 218, 231.
Examples of the types of content that may be presented in text
frame 210 include: rules for judging or scoring; performance
analysis and skills descriptions; and athlete profiles. Because the
text data files presented in frame 210 are small relative to the
media or other graphical content presented in media frame 212, a
preferred embodiment of the present invention loads the text
information presented in frame 210 prior to loading the content
presented in the remaining frames. This hierarchy enables the user
to interact with the educational content of text frame 210 while
waiting for larger media files to load thereby retaining the user's
attention during the download process. Text frame 210 may also
include a scroll bar 232 that enables the user to advance to other
portions of the content presented in frame 210.
[0034] The embodiment of FIG. 2 additionally includes extra content
frame 216. Extra content frame 216 may be used to provide any type
of additional content such as text, graphics or advertising or
other content. The particular contents of frame 216 may be selected
from the menu as chosen by the user or according to stored tables
or logic that direct display of certain information in window 216
according to the content displayed in another of the windows.
Optionally, thumbnails or hyperlinks contained in the remaining
windows may, when activated, cause the associated content to be
loaded into the extra content frame 216.
[0035] Advertising frame 214 of the present invention provides a
unique way of presenting advertising content without the inherent
limitations of the banner ads used in the prior art. As to be
discussed in greater detail below, the content and control of the
appearance of frame 214 on framework 200 may be dynamically coupled
to the content selected by and/or the status of the user. This
coupling results in an advertising experience that is relevant and
personalized to the user and integrated with the remaining content
of framework 200. The effectiveness of the advertising presentation
is thereby improved.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, advertisement
frame 214 provides a larger screen real estate than that used by
standard banner ads but is preferably dimensioned in such a way as
to still accommodate standard size ads. According to one possible
embodiment, frame 214 fits two long standard banner ads placed on
top of each other. This larger size provides for more authoring
flexibility while retaining the ability to display advertisements
from a banner ad pool. Advertising content may also include
multimedia content such as streaming video.
[0037] The structure of the present invention also enables frames
to be fused together such that advertising frame 214 can increase
in size by taking over the screen real estate of another of frames
210-212 or preferably extra content frame 216. In one possible
embodiment, the increase in size can occur dynamically when the
user clicks on frame 214. The user gets more information in the
increased size format without leaving the content and context
provided by the remaining frames.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an example of how advertising frame 214 might
be used to provide the advertiser a chance to actually sell a
product in place. FIG. 3 shows advertising frame 214 on the right
expanding to take the space allotted for extra content frame 216 on
the left. In step 238 of FIG. 3, an advertisement 239 appears in
frame 214 of framework 200. The user reviews the advertisement
content and clicks on button 240 to request additional information.
In response, additional advertising content is provided by the
content provider and frame 214 expands to include the viewing area
previously occupied by extra content frame 216 as shown in step
242. Steps 244-248 illustrate how the user may interact with
advertising frame 214 to purchase goods or services. Other sales
transaction methodologies known to those of skill in the art may
also be used. In step 250 upon conclusion of the transaction or a
return by the user to other frames, advertising frame 214 returns
to its original size.
[0039] Operation and Implementation
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the architecture of the present
invention comprises a browser structure wherein each of the modular
frames comprises a separate browser. This architecture permits each
of frames 210-216 to have its own HTML, or other markup language
programming. Because each of the frames contained within framework
200 includes its own programming, each of the frames can operate or
otherwise be operated asynchronously from the remaining frames.
Changing the content in one of the frames does not necessarily
cause a change to occur in the remaining frames.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates how the content in each of the frames may
be selected by the user and also how framework 200 may be
constructed to relate the content of the individual frames by a
common theme. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, framework
200 includes a primary navigation bar 400. When the user clicks on
one of the topics identified in navigation bar 400, a secondary
navigation menu 410 associated with the topic selected appears.
Optionally, a tertiary navigation menu 420 may appear in response
to the user clicking on a secondary navigation menu topic. In
response to the selection of a topic by the user, programming
contained within framework 200 loads content into each of the
frames. The individual frame content can be loaded according to any
one of the various navigation menus. Optionally, the content to be
loaded in all frames may be loaded according to the lowest level
menu selected.
[0042] Enabling the user to select the content of the individual
frames presented on the screen empowers the user with the ability
to configure a learning tool compatible with the individual
learning style of that particular user. For example, an older user
when viewing a media presentation of a karate front kick may prefer
a textual description of how to perform the kick. A younger user
may prefer that interactive game or quiz be displayed in the text
window, while the competition athlete or referee candidate may
select display of the rules for scoring the kick. This capability
improves the assimilation and retention of the material by the user
as well as enhancing the enjoyment of the user experience.
[0043] The content associated with the user topic selection may be
contained, for example, in a look up table. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the content interrelationship between
the frames is provided by pointers within the DreamWeaver tool used
to create the individual frames. Optionally, thumbnails and
hyperlinks, as known to those of skill in the art, may be included
within the content loaded in an individual frame. Clicking on the
thumbnail or hyperlink causes the content contained within one of
the remaining windows to change.
[0044] The correlation of graphic and textual information in
framework 200 organized by user menu selection or by logical theme,
assists the user in the assimilation and retention of the
information presented. Thus, the present invention provides an
integrated learning experience rather than the mere presentation of
information. This advantage of the present invention is reinforced
by associating interactive features such as games, and other
interactive materials with the specific content displayed in the
various windows, or the user's particular menu selections.
[0045] Portability
[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, having
each of the frames comprising framework 200 comprised of separate
HTML code enables individual ones of the frames to be downloaded or
ported to another device. Various portable devices, such as, for
example, cellular telephones, personal data assistants (PDAs),
portable computers, tablet computers provide users with the ability
to access or transport data remotely. This capability provides the
student athlete, or any student, with the capability to transport
the information provided by the present invention to the location
or forum desired by the user. For example, the student referee
might download the text screen describing scoring rules to a PDA
for viewing at a referee clinic. The sports enthusiast might chose
to download individual athlete profiles for viewing during a
tournament. Many more examples of portability are possible and the
invention is not limited to the few examples described above.
[0047] To port a frame to another device, the user clicks on tool
bar 500 as shown in FIG. 5. A menu 502 then appears as shown from
which the user can select the frame to be ported. Many possible
methods for presenting this menu can be used, such as a list with
radio buttons, highlighted text and the invention is not limited to
the format shown in FIG. 5. The format and screen size of the
target device are preferably read from a registry storing such
information. The registry may be stored on the host device or
optionally read from a registry stored on the target device.
[0048] In addition to providing apparatus and methods, the present
invention also provides a computer program product for
asynchronously displaying interrelated information. FIG. 6 for
example illustrates downloading of the framework 200 of the present
invention to a personal computing device 800 via the internet
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates deployment of the framework 200 of the
present invention to a CD/DVD medium 810 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the framework
200 of the present invention is deployed to another
computer-readable portable medium, such as a floppy diskette or
another suitable medium that is currently known or unknown. In FIG.
7, the computer program product includes the computer readable
storage medium 810 having the framework 200 of the present
invention, or a portion thereof, deployed thereon as computer
readable program code means embodied in the medium. The processor
portion of the personal computing device 800 implements the
computer readable program code means to asynchronously display
interrelated information in textual and graphical formats.
[0050] The computer-readable program code means includes first
computer-readable program code means for organizing a plurality of
interrelated information in a computer readable format.
[0051] Further, the computer-readable program code means also
includes second computer-readable program code means for coupling a
different portion of the interrelated computer readable information
organized by the first computer-readable program code means to
different ones of a plurality of asynchronously operable modular
frames as a function of a user input.
[0052] Third computer-readable program code means are included for
concurrently displaying on each of the modular frames one of the
plurality of information organized by the first computer-readable
program code means and coupled to different ones of a plurality of
asynchronously operable modular frames by the second
computer-readable program code means.
[0053] Fourth computer-readable program code means may be included
for structuring loading of the plurality of interrelated
information according to a hierarchy having text content loaded
prior to media content.
[0054] With reference to the third computer-readable program code
means, as discussed previously with respect to the various
apparatus and methods of the present invention, the third
computer-readable program code means for concurrently displaying
one of the plurality of information also includes means for
displaying the information in textual and graphical format.
Furthermore, the third computer-readable program code means for
displaying information in a graphical format may include means for
displaying a presentation of graphical animation from a plurality
of different points of view.
[0055] The third computer-readable program code means for
displaying information may also include means for fusing two or
more frames into a single frame for displaying a plurality of
interrelated advertising information. According to one embodiment
of the invention, the computer-readable program code means for
fusing two or more frames into a single frame also includes means
for displaying advertising information in an advertising frame;
expanding the advertising frame into a different one of the
plurality of frames in response to user input; and in response to
additional user input, returning to a previous display
condition.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates deployment of the framework 200 of the
present invention to a game console platform 820 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates deployment of the framework 200 of the
present invention in a broadcast medium environment according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
framework 200 of the present invention is downloaded to a set-top
box interactive television platform 900 in which the user interacts
via a remote control mechanism 910.
[0058] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
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